Florida school shooting brings 'social media hysteria,' new legislation, to Hawaii; registration fees may be hiked for electric vehicles, Honolulu Police Commission picks new chairwoman, Big Island council puts GET on life support, seawall irks Maui residents, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Honolulu city bus ©2018 All Hawaii News

Honolulu slid into the 10th spot on a list ranking the best cities for public transit in 2018. Pacific Business News.

Honolulu among U.S. cities with best public transportation. Hawaii News Now.

A bill to boost the state registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles was tentatively approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday. Owners of electric vehicles currently pay weight taxes and a registration fee of $45 per vehicle per year, but do not pay the gasoline tax. Star-Advertiser.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is seeking public input as it develops a non-binding plan to spend up to $8.1 million from a settlement with German automaker Volkswagen to promote the reduction of vehicle emissions in Hawaii. Garden Island.

Ige leads effort urging Congress to protect funding for clean energy programs. The bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance, under the leadership of Hawaii Gov. David Ige, has urged the U.S. Congress to protect the U.S. Department of Energy from funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Pacific Business News.

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‘We Are So Far Behind’: Hawaii Legislators Look To Make Schools Safer. After another gun-related massacre on an American campus, lawmakers consider requiring interior door locks and intercom systems. Civil Beat.

Police and schools are cracking down on students who make threats after concerns were raised following the mass shooting at a Florida high school last week. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lawmakers hope to prevent a mass shooting in the islands, by banning bump stocks. One of several measures this legislative session aiming to tighten gun regulations. KITV.

Following the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school, there is a lot of attention on school safety. The number of gun incidents in Hawaii schools has actually dropped. Last year there were 21 incidents all involving air guns. Hawaii Public Radio.

Police: Social media caused hysteria. Hawaii Island’s police chief said the decision to post extra officers on public school campuses Wednesday in Puna and Kona was made because social media “fed into the anxiety” of the community in the wake of perceived threats of possible gun violence made on the internet. Tribune-Herald.

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Bill looks to ban plastic straws; some already making shift. West Hawaii Today.

Why Opening A Dialysis Center Takes Years Longer In Hawaii. A shortage of outpatient centers forces some chronic kidney disease patients into long hospital stays and late-night treatments. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has joined a coalition of states in opposing an application by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to regain its status as a nationally-recognized accreditor after failing to fulfill its oversight responsibilities. Pacific Business News.

Should state hospital patients with violent pasts be tracked post-release? KHON2.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Commission Gets New Leadership. Loretta Sheehan was a sharp critic of former chief Louis Kealoha and how the commission handled problems during his tenure. Civil Beat.

Attorney Loretta Sheehan was elected chairwoman of the Honolulu Police Commission 6-0 today. She replaces retired hotel executive Max Sword. Star-Advertiser.

Susan Ballard, Honolulu’s first female police chief, has a strong ally in the new chairwoman of the Honolulu Police Commission, Loretta Sheehan. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Police Commission has a new leader and she's already promising change. KITV.

The former police officer who was fired after video of him in a violent fight with his ex-girlfriend surfaced will be reinstated and get years of back pay. Hawaii News Now.

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State rules for Sierra Club in lawsuit over aging military fuel tanks. Hawaii News Now.

Kahauiki Village: A Model to Ease Homelessness. There are more than 550 bills relating to affordable housing this legislative session. But, there’s one community model that could be duplicated statewide. Hawaii Public Radio.

Community voices concerns about Old Stadium Park homeless. Dozens of people gathered at the McCully Moiliili library Wednesday night. KHON2.

Bill would move oversight of Kakaako from the Hawaii Community Development Authority to city. KITV.

Storm forced millions of gallons of sewer water to spill in Windward Oahu. KHON2.

Punahou settles suit with family of child kicked out after father's alleged misconduct. The boy was kicked out after a 5-year-old classmate alleged that the boy’s father showed her pornography during a sleepover. Hawaii News Now.

Health Department fines Hawaiian Isles Water Co. $14K for violations. Hawaiian Isles Water Co. had to pay a $14,400 fine after being cited by the Hawaii Department of Health for delinquent reports and payments to the state-administrated Deposit Beverage Container program between August and November 2017. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii Island

Foreseeing the almost certain death of a bill raising the general excise tax, the County Council voted unanimously Wednesday to put it on life support, at least temporarily. West Hawaii Today.

UH regents to ask for Mauna Kea audit. Responding to accusations of financial mismanagement, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Friday will be asking its internal auditor to look at the university’s Mauna Kea books with fresh eyes. Star-Advertiser.

A tense hearing on the future management of Mauna Kea steered into the issue of the Thirty Meter Telescope sublease. Big Island Video News.

A bill that would bring lifeguards to Kua Bay remains alive in the state House after securing a key hearing before the Committee on Finance. West Hawaii Today.

Officer-involved shooting prompts heavy police presence in Puna. An investigation is underway after a Big Island police officer was shot late Wednesday in Hawaiian Beaches. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

A plan to construct a seawall to save a West Maui condominium from erosion is dividing the community. Hawaii News Now.

A Sea Talk focusing on Maalaea Harbor Water Quality and the use of effluent in Eco-Restoration will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday. Maui Now.

3 Maui Beaches Named to TripAdvisor’s 2018 Best in US Awards. Maui Now.

Work to replace an old culvert bridge that has shut down South Kihei Road near the old Suda Store since August will be completed “by the end of next week at the latest . . . maybe earlier,” said county Department of Public Works Director David Goode on Wednesday. Maui News.

HGEA nurses disgruntled over Kaiser management. The head of about 800 union workers at Maui Memorial Medical Center said Maui Health System officials need “to step up their game” and start fulfilling “the bill of goods” touted by the private entity to improve former public hospitals on Maui. Maui News.

Kauai

A resolution that would let citizens vote on ending term limits for the County Council drew ire from some community members on Wednesday. Garden Island.

Kualii announces council candidacy. An Anahola man who has previously served on Kauai’s County Council has announced his candidacy for the upcoming race. Garden Island.

More unions get pay boost, Senate may ditch Ways and Means chairwoman in rail battle, bills in the balance as Legislature reaches crucial deadline, Maui mayor wants Oahu sand shipments stopped, LUC gives nod to Ellison's Lanai golf course, lifeguards lose lawsuit immunity, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Road work in the rain © 2017 All Hawaii News

An arbitration panel has awarded 6 percent to 7 percent raises to about 27,500 public employees in six bargaining units of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the union announced Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Thousands of state employees to get 4.25% raise as part of arbitration settlement. Hawaii News Now.

A tentative agreement has been reached between the Hawaii Government Employees Association Unit 6 and the state, which includes a salary raise of 13.53 percent over the next four years. Hawaii News Now.

On Friday, HGEA’s Unit 6, which represents educational officers, will vote cast ratification votes for a four-year contract made with the employer, which includes a salary increase of 13.53%. KHON2.

Hawaii public school teachers overwhelmingly voted in favor Thursday of a contract that will boost their pay by 13.6 percent over the next four years. Star-Advertiser.

Teachers voted to ratify a new contract in overwhelming fashion Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

Public school teachers voted to ratify contract that gives them a 14% raise in the next four years. KITV.

Public school teachers ratify new contract, will receive 13.6% raise over four years. KHON2.

Lawmakers are once again eyeing a possible reorganization of the state Senate to try to clear the way to provide more funding for the city’s embattled rail project. Star-Advertiser.

A new twist in the rail drama is unfolding as lawmakers prepare to meet to decide how much longer to extend the half percent excise tax. KITV.

State lawmakers scrambled to move dozens of bills ahead of a Thursday night deadline for gaining approval from key House and Senate negotiators on measures that don’t carry a price tag. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii lifeguards will lose immunity from lawsuits this summer after the Senate announced Thursday night that they are going along with a House bill that allows the protection to expire. Hawaii News Now.

A committee of Hawaii lawmakers is moving forward with a bill that would allow the Honolulu Police Commission to hire a chief from out of state and permit Micronesian immigrants to serve on state boards and commissions. Civil Beat.

Lawmakers prepare to take final vote on bill that holds child care providers accountable. KITV.

Critics: Water Bill Could Hurt Customers And The Environment. The Sierra Club is mounting a last-minute push amid worries the measure will remove private water distribution companies from state regulation. Civil Beat.

Neither Linda Chen or Christina Kishimoto, the two finalists for state schools superintendent, have ever worked in Hawaii's public education system – or even lived here in the islands. Hawaii News Now.

Defenders and opponents of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are moving back into their familiar battle stations as Republican President Trump reopens the review process that led to the preserve’s expansion by President Obama last summer. Civil Beat.

A handful of police misconduct cases came to a close this week with a $30,000 legal settlement, a not guilty verdict and a 10-year prison sentence. Civil Beat.

First Hawaiian Bank’s loans rose to a record high but net income fell 13.4 percent in the first quarter because of $25.7 million in securities sales made in the year-earlier period. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

By a 5-4 margin, the Honolulu City Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that lifts the ban on using property taxes to finish the city’s $10 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser.

A measure that is key to moving ahead on a replacement for Aloha Stadium goes down to the wire at the Legislature today. Star-Advertiser.

Elections are underway for members of the island’s 33 neighborhood boards. Civil Beat.

More than 1,000 people stood in line in Chinatown on Thursday to get on a waiting list for an affordable apartment. Hawaii News Now.

Native Hawaiian practitioners are vowing to try to stop what they've dubbed the 'Coca Cola fence.'  Hawaii News Now.

An ambitious plan will soon get underway to restore a long-lost native forest near Laie by replanting massive numbers of koa, milo and sandalwood trees. Civil Beat.

The International Market Place’s newest dining concept, The Street, A Michael Mina Social House, will bring 13 food and beverage vendors together in a 6,900-square-foot space that is slated to open next month. Pacific Business News.

Eddie Flores Jr., founder of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, donated $1 million to the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Hawaii County could get a better view of its budget gap today as legislators meet one last time over how much of the hotel tax to share with the counties. Tribune-Herald.

Hilo Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy wants the council to get a heads-up when the administration hires people on nonemergency 89-day contracts worth $5,000 or more monthly. West Hawaii Today.

Budget chairwomen for the House and Senate allocated $1 million earlier this week to the state Department of Health to combat rat lungworm disease, but in doing so they diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars in hoped-for funding away from researchers at the University of Hawaii at Hilo who have been leading research into the disease and spearheading public education efforts. Star-Advertiser.

Maui

Maui mayor demands halt after mountains of sand stripped, shipped for Oahu development. KHON2.

Maui Electric Co., a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Co., has been named one of the top utilities in the nation for connecting energy storage to the grid, according to the Smart Electric Power Alliance. Pacific Business News.

When the state Supreme Court convened in the Baldwin High School Auditorium on Thursday morning to hear arguments in a Molokai drunken-driving case, more than 500 high school students were in the audience. Maui News.

Kauai

The United States Postal Service is reconsidering a plan to relocate its operations of the Lihue post office from Rice Street to the annex facility near the airport. Garden Island.

The Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a meeting next week regarding the Anahola Village Park playground. Garden Island.

Lanai

The state Land Use Commission on Thursday adopted a hearings officer’s recommendation and found that Lanai Resort Partners did not violate a condition regarding golf course irrigation set by the commission in 1991. Maui News.

Takai's decision not to run leaves rare vacancy in U.S. House, Maui study shows shallow ocean shelf attracts sharks, Pro Bowl likely moving to Orlando, medical marijuana scores released, Kauai bans smoking in cars with minors, National Park Service fights to limit Kona water use, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Gov. David Ige, left, with U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, courtesy governor's offie

Saying he needs to focus on recovery instead of re-election, U.S. Rep. Mark Takai announced Thursday he will not seek a second term in Congress. Takai was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer seven months ago, and his decision to step down touched off much speculation about who will run to succeed him. Star-Advertiser.

Citing health concerns, U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, the Democrat of Hawaii, announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election this year. Civil Beat.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Mark Takai said Thursday he will not seek re-election this fall and will step down when his term ends, because his cancer has spread. Pacific Business News.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai has announced he will not seek a second term in Congress due to health problems. Associated Press.

US Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01) today announced his decision to step down after serving out the remainder of his term due to health concerns. Maui Now.

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Consumers and businesses in Hawaii risk getting ripped off in routine business transactions because the state agency tasked with inspecting gas pumps, weight scales such as those at supermarkets, and taxi meters still isn’t inspecting those devices as often as it should, according to a new state report. Star-Advertiser.

The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has yet to receive a single application from anyone interested in replacing Les Kondo as executive director. The commission has been advertising for the position since May 3. Civil Beat.

The economy in Hawaii’s four counties has been strong in recent years and prospects remain good for the near future, although growth rates will start trending lower, according to the annual county-by-county forecast released Friday by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Pacific Business News.

The president of Hawaii’s Local 5 Unite Here, Hernando Ramos Tan, filed a lawsuit Thursday morning in U.S. District Court against the labor union’s secretary-treasurer, Eric Gill. Civil Beat.

The Hawaii Department of Health has released the application scores for the eight companies who were awarded licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Airlines unveiled its new seating that allows passengers to lie down completely flat and drift to sleep. Hawaii News Now.

Oahu

Once more Orlando, Fla., thinks it has won the tug-of-war with Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, only this time others are saying so as well. Star-Advertiser.

The City and County of Honolulu is moving one its busiest satellite city halls after more than a year delay. Hawaii Public Radio.

With the cost of Honolulu’s rail project doubling, transit officials are scrambling to figure out how much more of it they can afford to build, where it will have to stop short, and what to do from there. KHON2.

The head of the local electrical workers union is now the target of dueling investigations. Earlier this week, criminal investigators with the state Attorney General's office subpoenaed financial records from the IBEW Local 1260. That follows a separate federal investigation that was launched after the union was placed under trusteeship and its Business Manager Brian Ahakuelo was put on leave. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii

The National Park Service didn’t provide a requested gallon figure for how much water it needs at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to sustain its ecosystems and the cultural practices that surround them. But the Park Service did bring the state Commission on Water Resource Management up to speed Thursday on the species that it feels would be threatened by any changes in water salinity due to future pumping of the Keauhou aquifer, which drains to the sea beneath it. West Hawaii Today.

Lawsuits against the county over a Kawa Bay police action and a zip line death are on their way to being settled, with votes earlier this week by the Hawaii County Council. West Hawaii Today.

Hu Honua Bioenergy LLC, the developer of a $225 million biomass plant on the Big Island of Hawaii that is about 50 percent complete, is asking state regulators to investigate a Hawaiian Electric Co. subsidiary’s attempts to cancel the power purchase agreement with the two companies. Pacific Business News.

Dust, noise, health problems, lower property values and lawyers. Mix prime real estate and subdivisions with a plan for a commercial gravel crushing operation, and that’s what you get, said 20 residents who testified against a Bolton Inc. plan for that activity off of Hualalai Road above Queen Kaahumanu Highway. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

There’s a reason Maui sees more shark attacks than any other Hawaiian island, according to the results of a new study: It’s the large and protected shallow ocean shelf that acts as a magnet for tiger sharks near and far. Star-Advertiser.

Tiger shark bites peaked in 2012 and 2013, including two fatal attacks that spurred the state Department of Land and Natural Resources — working with the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, a data collection project — to commission a nearly $200,000 two-year study of shark spatial behavior on Maui. The University of Hawaii’s Institute of Marine Biology conducted the research, which culminated this week in a report finding that the spike most likely isn’t due to changes in what humans are doing. Civil Beat.

New research released Thursday shows tiger sharks naturally favor waters near Maui that are close to some of Hawaii’s most popular beaches for humans. Associated Press.

A spike in shark bites off Maui in 2012 and 2013 prompted the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with additional support and funding from the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, to commission a two-year-long study of shark spatial behavior on Maui. Maui Now.

Scientists are getting a better idea of how sharks behave and why so many attacks have occurred off Maui. Hawaii Public Radio.

A rising tide of shark bites off the Maui coast over the previous two decades appeared to indicate that sharks in the area had acquired a disturbing affinity for the taste of human flesh. West Hawaii Today.

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Buildings are being eliminated and the color scheme and other aesthetics are being altered in development plans to address public opposition to the Makena Resort's proposed 47-acre, 158-home and commercial project. Maui News.

A day after a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals order temporarily halted work to transfer Maui public hospital operations from state to private control, administrators first had to stop the momentum of what's been a "massive" effort to make the transition as of July 1, said Wesley Lo, Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Maui Region chief executive officer. Maui News.

Days after the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a preliminary injunction to halt the transfer of Maui hospital operations from the state-operated hospital system to private contractor Kaiser Permanente, Maui Memorial Medical Center’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Ron Boyd, characterized the delay as an “unfortunate expectation.”  Maui Now.

Kauai

The Kauai Council unanimously voted Wednesday to approve a bill that prohibits smoking in cars with children under the age of 18. Garden Island.

A resolution that seeks to institute a county manager was postponed until June 15 during the Kauai County Council meeting Wednesday. Garden Island.

Genetically modified food has been cleared of connections to health problems in a 388-page report released Tuesday from the National Academies of Science. Garden Island.

The Board of Education’s vote to change a policy that required principals to consider test results in teacher evaluations is a win for educators, said several local teachers. Garden Island.

School superintendent snubbed for new standards panel, embattled IBEW chief retires, tax collections up, ethics panel demurs in Kenoi pCard case, Turtle Bay plans unveiled, new form of government going to Maui ballot, rail lawsuit dismissed, lifeguard pay at issue, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii schoolchildren © 2016 All Hawaii News

In a high-profile snub that's raising eyebrows, the governor decided against appointing state schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi to a newly-formed task force charged with overhauling Hawaii's public school standards and testing. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii’s general tax fund deposits rose 6.4 percent during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year when compared with the same period in the previous fiscal year, according to a statement released by the state Department of Taxation. Pacific Business News.

Brian Ahakuelo, the embattled leader of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260, retired from his position Tuesday amid an investigation into the Hawaii union’s finances. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Some $43 million earmarked for critical sewage treatment projects is being held up by the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee because of concerns over the future of a substance and mental health treatment facility that is on land proposed to be used for expansion of the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Star-Advertiser.

A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit against Ansaldo Honolulu JV, a contractor for Honolulu’s $6.6 billion rail project. John McCaughey, a former employee, filed the complaint last year arguing the Italian-based company was putting its workers in danger by failing to hire enough safety workers. Civil Beat.

The head of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says he hopes to have an updated financial plan by the end of the year. KHON2.

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department slashed over half a million dollars for Honolulu’s Continuum of Care program participants even though Hawaii has the worst rate of homelessness in the nation. While the cutback is relatively small — a 5 percent decrease from $9.7 million last year to $9.2 million this year — HUD estimates the expiration of funds will remove funding for 465 homeless people who are currently relying on services. Civil Beat.

Turtle Bay Resort's expansion plans for the 880-acre resort on Oahu's North Shore include a 452-room hotel, two golf courses, a spa, a stables and a golf clubhouse, according to a map obtained by Pacific Business News.

The HCDA is proposing a $45 million redesign of the 53 acres it owns next to Kewalo Basin over the next 20 years. Hawaii News Now.

The state says new self-service machines at Honolulu International Airport have significantly reduced average customs wait times for passengers arriving from other countries. Associated Press.

Hawaii

The Hawaii County Board of Ethics remained no closer Tuesday to hearing an ethics complaint regarding Mayor Billy Kenoi’s misuse of a county purchasing card a year after it deferred the issue. Tribune-Herald.

Two recent actions by the County Council have ratcheted the county’s potential bond debt a little higher. But county officials say the authorization to float another $78.6 million in bonds isn’t likely to affect the county’s credit rating, or the annual payment made to debt service, because it is unlikely the bulk of that amount will go out to a bond sale. West Hawaii Today.

The legal fireworks over the Thirty Meter Telescope are expected to start up again Monday as retired Judge Riki May Amano called a pre-conference hearing in Honolulu for the attorneys representing all parties. Star-Advertiser.

A three-year effort to improve connectivity between upper Puna’s numerous subdivisions enters a new phase this week. Members of an ad hoc committee formed to address the connectivity problem will vote tomorrow on a draft report to be used by the Hawaii County Council and agencies such as the Department of Public Works for future planning. Tribune-Herald.

Boat moorings, dengue fever, land purchases and construction updates. Those were a few of the offerings Tuesday night as Kona Sen. Josh Green, Kona Rep. Nicole Lowen and leaders from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources addressed a standing-room only crowd at the West Hawaii Civic Center Council Chambers for a legislative update. West Hawaii Today.

The goal was straightforward: Determine the existing and future needs of the Kona-Kohala business community. The result was a complicated one, summed up in the Workforce Needs Study released Tuesday by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

After five months of deliberations, the Special Committee on County Governance recommended Monday that a new form of county government be placed on the ballot in November, though members remained deeply split in their support of a change. Maui News.

If Maui doesn’t sign off on a $1 million budget expenditure to pay an arbitration award, county officials say it could send everyone in the bargaining unit back to the table, based on their reading of a state attorney general’s opinion. So it wouldn’t just be the 55 lifeguards on Maui that would be affected, but several hundred public workers, including lifeguards on Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, plus state law enforcement officers. Civil Beat.

Maui authorities are looking at ways to cut down on the number of people who become victims of financial crimes, an issue being dealt with in police departments across the state. Associated Press.

A 45-year-old man will receive $24,000 in damages from settlement of an age discrimination lawsuit filed against the Maui Police Department three years ago, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will hold two meetings on Maui this week, the agency announced. Maui News.

Some Maui County residents will receive a survey in the mail to identify how they use county parks and recreation facilities. Residents also may make recommendations for improvements to Maui County park facilities. Maui News.

Kauai

Transportation problems Kauai residents experience on a regular basis took center stage during the Community Advisory Committee meeting on Monday. Garden Island.

Hanalei Elementary School is growing. During a Planning Commission meeting Tuesday, commissioners unanimously voted to approve a planning director’s report detailing the construction of two classroom portables on the school campus. Garden Island.

Meet Ollie, a courthouse facility dog who joined the Kauai Office of the Prosecuting Attorney as the newest team member Tuesday. Garden Island.

Hawaii counties count legislative blessings, IBEW taken over by parent as probe into nepotism widens, tax credits for organic farmers, 75th Pearl Harbor anniversary planned, University of Hawaii money has strings attached, no funding for UH Cancer Center, solar company cutbacks after incentive plan cut, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii elder hula © 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii ranks seventh among the 50 states in which to grow old, according to a new Caring.com report. The report looked at several factors affecting people age 55 and up. The ratings incorporated data on quality of life, health care, long-term care, support for seniors and family caregivers, affordability of senior care and more than 100,000 ratings of senior care providers. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii would become the first state to pass a plan that would set up tax breaks for farmers to offset the cost of becoming certified as organic. Under the plan farmers could get up to $50,000 in tax credits for qualifying expenses. The state Legislature approved the proposal this year. Associated Press.

New Political Parties Get Their Shot On Hawaii Ballots This Year. The Hawaii Constitution Party, the Hawaii Independent Party and the American Shopping Party have qualified. Civil Beat.

The state’s newly selected medical marijuana dispensary operators could be permitted to grow under natural sunlight, and advanced practice registered nurses might be allowed to certify new patients. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s solar industry continues to struggle after the state ended a popular solar incentive program in October. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association, a solar advocacy group, said Monday a survey of 11 member companies showed 73 percent have decreased staff since the incentive program ended. Star-Advertiser.

The takeover of one of Hawaii's largest unions by its international parent comes amid longtime complaints of nepotism in the office. A Hawaii News Now review of the IBEW Local 1260's filings with the U.S. Labor Department shows that the union employed at least four people related to business manager Brian Ahakuelo. Hawaii News Now.

Only half of Hawaii’s public high schools with football teams have access to the top-rated helmets, and even at the campuses with the best helmets available, your child may still be handed a lower-rated piece of equipment. KHON2.

Oahu

The Legislature passed 275 bills and appropriated more than 7 billion dollars in state general funds before it adjourned last week. But the UH Cancer Center did not receive a single cent of what it asked for. Hawaii Public Radio.

Lawmakers are trying to prohibit the University of Hawaii from spending any of the nearly $50 million the Legislature has budgeted for the university’s repair and maintenance backlog on the College of Education at UH Manoa — unless the college is relocated. Star-Advertiser.

Kakaako Waterfront Park has a reputation as a giant, uninviting grassy mound with crumbly walking paths and shade pavilions popular with the homeless. But the state’s biggest park in urban Honolulu would become a grand public recreation destination under a new master plan. Star-Advertiser.

Planners of the 75th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attacks on Oahu are optimistic that either an aircraft carrier or “big deck” amphibious assault ship and vintage aircraft will participate in the milestone commemoration, which likely will be the last major hurrah for a rapidly dwindling number of Pearl Harbor survivors. Star-Advertiser.

The ordinance that bans sitting and lying on public sidewalks has been a handy tool for Honolulu Police Department officers to clear the homeless and other sidewalk dwellers off of busy sidewalks in Waikiki and the downtown/Chinatown areas over the past two years. But in the 15 neighborhoods from Waimanalo to Wahiawa that were added to the sit-lie law by City Council members, the law does not appear to have been used. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Kona International Airport improvements and an expansion of the Hawaii Community Correctional Center are among the big ticket items lawmakers approved for the Big Island this session. In total, the state Legislature approved $389 million in capital projects for the island during the session that ended last week. Tribune-Herald.

State lawmakers are touting the $389 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding secured for Hawaii Island under the state budget (biennium of Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017 ) passed by the Legislature last week. The Big Island’s elected officials were also able to secure $8.5 million in Grants-In-Aid CIP for Hawaii Island nonprofit organizations. Big Island Video News.

Travel to and from Kahakai Elementary School will soon become smoother, and Principal Jim Denight hopes substantially safer after the State Legislature allocated $355,000 to improve safety conditions on Kahakai Access Road. West Hawaii Today.

Government and nonprofit groups are pitching in to keep the vision of botanist Amy Beatrice Holdsworth Greenwell alive. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Dozens gather in solidarity with Maui lifeguards fighting for better pay. KITV4.

In a follow-up to our March 6th MAUIWatch interview with Kai Pelayo, the new Monsanto Maui community affairs director, Pelayo forwarded a 32-page update to the company’s Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Maui for the year 2015.

The Department of Natural Resources was called to investigate the discovery of an unidentified object/device that washed ashore overnight at the beach in Spreckelsville off of Stable Road. Authorities say the item appeared to be some type of Naval sonar equipment, but the DLNR Maui Boating District Manager is looking into the case to assess what it is and how to get it removed. Maui Now.

Hana and Lanai high and elementary schools are among 23 schools statewide being added next school year to a U.S. Department of Agriculture free meal program, the state Department of Education announced Thursday. Maui News.

Kauai

Kauai representatives secured over $141 million in Capital Improvement Project funding for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. Garden Island.

The Kauai Community Correctional Center will be receiving $15 million for new housing and support offices after Kauai lawmakers secured more than $140 million in Capital Improvement Project funding this week. Garden Island.

Senate President Ronald Kouchi frequently drives on Puhi Road, which means he knows about its condition firsthand. Garden Island.

Grand jury indicts Hawaii County mayor, millions in federal aid for displaced sugar workers, Legislature kill gas tax hike, charter amendment could strengthen Honolulu Police Commission, Kauai council nixes county employee raises, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi in happier times © 2016 All Hawaii News

An attorney for Mayor Billy Kenoi said the county’s embattled chief executive won’t resign. A Hilo grand jury on Wednesday indicted Kenoi with two counts of second-degree theft, two counts of third-degree theft, three counts of tampering with a government record, plus making a false statement under oath. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi gave a half hour speech to the local business community in Hilo, as a grand jury indicted him for his alleged misuse of a government issued purchase card between 2011 and 2015. Big Island Video News.

A Hawai‘i County grand jury has indicted Mayor Billy Kenoi on seven different counts stemming from the misuse of his county issued purchasing card. Hawaii Public Radio.

A grand jury indicted Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi on theft charges Wednesday in connection with misuse of his county-issued purchasing card. Star-Advertiser.

After months of investigation, a 16-member grand jury indicted Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi on theft charges Wednesday in connection with his alleged misuse of a government credit card. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi has been indicted by a grand jury. The charges come after a nearly-year-long criminal investigation by the attorney general’s office over Kenoi’s improper use of a county-issued credit card, or pCard. KHON2.

The state Attorney General’s office said Wednesday that a Big Island  grand jury has indicted Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi. Civil Beat.

A grand injury has indicted Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi on two counts of felony theft and other charges, the state attorney general's office said Wednesday. Associated Press.

Hawaii island’s homegrown mayor from Kalapana and Hilo seemed on an unlikely path to a bright future in island politics. Instead, two-term Mayor Billy Kenoi — a former Honolulu deputy public defender and disciple of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye — must answer to felony, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor charges from his time in office from 2011 to 2015. Star-Advertiser.

Many political insiders thought one day Billy Kenoi's career would take him to the governor's mansion. That future is still up in the air as some say his political career is over, but others say he could make a comeback. Hawaii News Now.

Following months of controversy hanging over Mayor Billy Kenoi, Hawaii island officials expressed shock and dismay that the hammer finally came down Wednesday. Star-Advertiser.

The mood on the Big Island on Wednesday is one of shock and sadness. KHON2.

Those who worked with Mayor Billy Kenoi are trying to understand how it all came to this. KHON2.

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Despite a full-court press lobbying effort by Gov. David Ige’s administration, the proposed gas tax, weight tax and vehicle registration fee increases it proposed may be dead for the year. Star-Advertiser.

The House Transportation Committee on Wednesday indefinitely deferred a bill that would have increased taxes and fees on motor vehicles and fuel. Civil Beat.

Hawaii may soon implement what’s become standard practice elsewhere in the country — mandatory unannounced inspections of state-licensed care facilities for the elderly and disabled. Civil Beat.

A measure that would have required drivers working for transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft to carry a certain level of insurance was killed by the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee on Wednesday. Civil Beat.

A bill that would ensure enforcement of crime victims’ rights as an amendment to the state Constitution remains alive at the Legislature. Star-Advertiser.

A Hawaii Senate panel deadlocked 3-to-3 Wednesday over a controversial bill that sought to trim retirement benefits for judges, effectively killing the measure. Civil Beat.

Despite the fact that Hawaii has two official languages, only one of them is offered on voters’ ballots. English and Hawaiian are the state’s official languages, and lawmakers are pushing a bill to offer both on ballots. Right now, English, Japanese, Cantonese and Ilocano must be offered on ballots in some counties. Associated Press.

Union membership has declined nearly 10 percent in Hawaii since 1989, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But despite this downward trend, the BLS reports that Hawaii still has the second-highest percentage of union membership in the nation behind New York. Civil Beat.

Ryan Kalei Tsuji Leaves Government. The aide to Gov. Ige will leave his post at the end of the month to focus on his new video production company. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Oahu voters will have the chance to toughen up the Honolulu Police Commission in light of numerous scandals gripping the Police Department, including a federal investigation of Chief Louis Kealoha. Civil Beat.

Supporters and staff of Wahiawa General Hospital turned out in force Wednesday to ask lawmakers to fund a $3 million bailout of the private, nonprofit facility, which has been struggling to stay afloat during the past nine years of increasing financial strains. Star-Advertiser.

Supporters turned out in force at the state Capitol Wednesday to ask lawmakers to approve of a resolution requesting the governor and the Legislature to provide emergency financial assistance to Wahiawa General Hospital. Civil Beat.

Dozens rallied at the State Capitol Wednesday in support of Wahiawa General Hospital as financial troubles threaten to shut it down. KHON2.

Hawaiian Electric Co. President and CEO Alan Oshima said the electric utility will meet with the company looking to buy three canceled solar farms on Oahu. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply has struck a $33 million deal with NORESCO, one of the largest energy services companies in the United States, that allows the water agency to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and operational improvements while guaranteeing enough savings over the next 20 years to pay for the contract, the agency said Wednesday. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii

It will be business as usual at Sheraton Kona Resort Spa at Keauhou Bay amid a proposed merger between the hotel’s owner, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and Marriott International. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Hundreds of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. workers will receive millions of dollars in federal funding as the sugar plantation ends its operations, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday. Hawaii News Now.

The latest vision to alleviate Wailuku Town's parking problem is a multipurpose layout akin to San Francisco's Union Square, members of the Maui Redevelopment Agency said Wednesday. Maui News.

Kaanapali resort managers spoke out against proposed water rate increases, calling them "excessive" and "out of line" during a public hearing held by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday night at Lahaina Intermediate School. Maui News.

Kauai

Citing bad timing and an uncertainty in the ability to make good on its promises, the Kauai County Council Wednesday voted 5-2 against proposed salary increases for county administers. Garden Island.

Kauai County Councilmember JoAnn Yukimura will host a public workshop titled “How to Have a Voice in County Government” 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at Ha Coffee Bar in Lihue. Garden Island.

When an after-hours medical emergency arises on the rapidly growing North Shore of Kauai, critical minutes can be lost before treatment can be provided. That will soon change. Garden Island.

Hawaii may return to the little grass shack, lawmaker seeks better vetting of state officers following rape, Honolulu incinerator procurement violations probed, bid window opens for marijuana dispensaries, Kauai to consider lobbying law, Bishop Estate to sell Waipio Valley, expert doubts NestEra purchase will happen, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Little grass shack, Hana, Maui, courtesy Forest & Kim Starr

State lawmakers are considering a unique solution to the housing crisis: They want to make it possible for people to live in traditional Hawaiian grass huts. Associated Press.

Hawaii lawmaker proposes grass huts to help homeless. KHON2.

A state senator is raising questions about the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ employment practices after the agency hired an officer who had been fired about a year earlier from the Honolulu Police Department and was arrested last week on allegations he sexually assaulted a female minor while on the job. Star-Advertiser.

A state law enforcement officer charged with five counts of sexual assault of a minor on the Big Island is a former Honolulu policeman who was fired in 2012 after falsifying reports and lying to investigators about his whereabouts when he was transporting an underage runaway. Civil Beat.

The vice president of the state Senate said he plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming legislative session requiring all state and county law enforcement agencies to list in a database all officers fired or forced to resign from their agencies. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will host a meeting Friday regarding the future of more than 80 commercial and industrial parcels in Hilo, but there is one site in particular expected to garner a lot of attention. Tribune-Herald.

The state Department of Health opened an 18-day bidding window today for companies interested in competing for medical marijuana dispensary licenses. Star-Advertiser.

NextEra Energy Inc. will not win state approval for its $4.3 billion buyout of Hawaiian Electric Industries, according to UBS Financial Services Inc., a Zurich-based investment research firm.Star-Advertiser.

NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co. won’t go through because of the current challenges the Florida energy giant is facing, according to a recent analysis by financial services giant UBS. Pacific Business News.

Several bills are being drafted to clarify the current mandatory peer review for accountants, according to the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants. Pacific Business News.

The U.S. Supreme Court started its January session today by listening to arguments in a case that could have huge ramifications for unions in Hawaii. Friedrichs V. California Teachers Association, challenges the ability of unions to collect mandatory dues. Civil Beat.

The number of two-year degrees awarded through the University of Hawaii’s community colleges has doubled in recent years thanks in large part to an initiative that tracks transfer students who move on without an associate degree. Star-Advertiser.

Measures Adopted To Protect Fishery Observers In Western, Central Pacific. Following another recent disappearance, a regulatory commission finally takes steps to discourage abuse of observers aboard fishing vessels. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A City Council committee will hold a public hearing Wednesday on findings from the city auditor that the Department of Environmental Services violated policies and procurement laws in awarding contracts to build and operate the HPOWER waste-to-energy plant. Star-Advertiser.

The Honolulu City Council enters the new year with push coming to shove on the $6.6 billion commuter rail project. For months, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation officials have appeared before the full council and its budget committee urging the leaders to approve a five-year extension of the 0.5 percent general excise tax surcharge for rail. Civil Beat.

Mayor weighs in on alcohol park controversy. KITV4.

A Waialua bakery will pay a $6,000 settlement for food safety violations that prompted the state Department of Health to temporarily close the store. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Bishop Museum is committed to include Waipio Valley community members in the process as it works to find a new owner for its land within the historic agricultural community and popular tourist attraction, museum CEO Blair Collis said Monday. Tribune-Herald.

The commission charged with prioritizing county land purchases isn’t ready to commit to buying a popular Kaloko trailhead, despite advocates’ concerns the land could slip from the public’s hands. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii residents interested in seeing and learning more about the telescopes on Mauna Kea’s summit will soon get a closer look through a new program ready to launch on Saturday. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

After decades of petitioning and planning, the long-awaited Kīhei High School in South Maui broke ground off Pi‘ilani Highway at 9 a.m. this morning, Monday, Jan. 11. Maui Now.

When Don Medeiros was hired as the county's first transportation coordinator in 2002, there was no Department of Transportation and no public county bus system. Now, the man who had a hand in building both from the ground up is back at the helm of county transportation issues. Maui News.

Rep. Angus McKelvey and Sen. Rosalyn Baker will hold their annual Pre-Legislative Session Community Talk Story meeting on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, beginning at 10 a.m. at Kaunoa West Maui Senior Center in Lahaina. Maui Now.

The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, announced that due to a staff shortage, a residential refuse collection route in the Kahului area was not picked up today. Maui Now.

Kauai

Kauai is the only county in Hawaii that doesn’t have an ordinance governing lobbying. On Wednesday, the county will be taking a first look at a draft for an ordinance doing just that. Garden Island.

Even though the county’s barking dog bill is back before the County Council for a second reading — the last step in the process before it becomes law — Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura doesn’t believe there’s enough information to make a good decision. Garden Island.

Hawaii energy policy scrutinized, state mum on dengue cases, Schatz campaigns for Clinton, space rocket to be launched off Kauai, UH fires football coach Chow, Native Hawaiian election begins, more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Coffee beans on a drying floor © 2015 All Hawaii News

Heading into the 45th annual festival showcasing their trade, Kona coffee growers have a lot to celebrate. Abundant rain and an early and extensive coffee bloom have brought loads of cherry — filling drying platforms and mills with the fragrant product. West Hawaii Today.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz is spending the weekend in Maine and Boston, fundraising and offering his support and advice to some grass-roots groups that are mobilizing for the presidential campaign of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Star-Advertiser.

Gov David Ige Talks About The State’s Energy Future. The state’s chief executive discusses the road map to a renewable energy revolution, the NextEra-HECO merger and hopes for affordable electricity. Civil Beat.

Political insider’s role in state energy policy is called into question. Robbie Alm has a dozen years of experience in the top management ranks of the state's largest utility, Hawaiian Electric Co ., and he has the ear of Gov. David Ige.That makes some people nervous. Star-Advertiser.

Two proclamations on homelessness from Gov. David Ige will make it possible to pump another $300,000 into programs around the islands that help people. Catholic Charities and Helping Hands will now divide the additional $300,000 from Ige's proclamations and can use it to help both homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless. Star-Advertiser.

Virgin America, named the best in U.S. air travel for eight straight years by Travel + Leisure magazine, is making its inaugural flight to Honolulu from San Francisco with a new 149-seat Airbus 320 aircraft aptly named the Pineapple Express. Virgin America will expand its Hawaii service further on Dec. 3 when it begins flying between San Francisco and Kahului. Star-Advertiser.

The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint today against Aqua-Aston Hospitality in response to five unfair labor practice charges filed by UNITE HERE Local 5 against Aqua-Aston (formerly Aston Hotels & Resorts) since July. Hawaii Independent.

Oahu

As costs continue to climb, Honolulu rail remains by far the most expensive transit project per-capita being built in the U.S., a Honolulu Star-Advertiser analysis shows.

They’re public records, but the City and County of Honolulu often makes it difficult — and expensive — for the public to obtain them. The Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest is looking to change that with four amendments it proposed to the Honolulu Charter Commission. The Charter Commission is in the midst of assessing dozens of proposals as part of its 10-year review of the city charter. Civil Beat.

Live Christmas trees will be allowed in hotel lobbies, larger restaurants and other assembly areas this holiday season, provided those settings have sprinklers in place, under a compromise proposal reached among businesses, the Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Friends of Haiku Stairs say potential hike fee revenue could be key to reopening the famous Hawaii hiking trail known as "Stairway to Heaven" and to preserve its surrounding Windward Oahu valley for the long term. Pacific Business News.

Mounting losses and dwindling attendance added up to Norm Chow's dismissal as head coach of the University of Hawaii football team. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Tom Hasslinger has been named managing editor of West Hawaii Today. Hasslinger’s primary responsibility will be working with the newspaper’s editorial department to produce compelling local content.  West Hawaii Today.

Gov. David Ige continued to offer support for building the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea and improving the state’s stewardship of the mountain while speaking last week at Oahu’s Windward Community College. Tribune-Herald.

A pair of prolific internet vloggers have documented their battle with an illness they believe was contracted on the Big Island during a recent visit, while the state of Hawaii investigates two confirmed cases of “locally-acquired” dengue fever on the same island. Big Island Video News.

Health officials said they cannot reveal information about the patients or where the dengue cases have been reported because the investigation into the source of the mosquito-borne disease is ongoing. Tribune-Herald.

Ballots begin going out today to the 95,000-plus Native Hawaiian voters who registered by the deadline to help choose 40 delegates to an aha, or constitutional convention. West Hawaii Today.

Operators hopeful, wary of new manta tour regulation. West Hawaii Today.

The charitable and political powerhouse Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council has turned 50, and it’s inviting the community to join the celebration. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

A Maui County Council committee on Monday will consider a resolution to establish an advisory body to review a county manager form of governance. Maui News.

Maui County Council committee to discuss county manager form of government this Monday. MauiTime.

The county Department of Planning is soliciting bids from consultants to study the feasibility of using sand nourishment as a way to reduce shoreline erosion in Kahana, where seawalls stop the ocean from washing condominiums out to sea. Maui News.

Establishing a temporary "sanctuary" for the homeless, along with more development of transitional housing and workforce housing, are all part of Mayor Alan Arakawa's multimillion-dollar "Homeless Initiative." Maui News.

Maui County is considering sanctuaries as the population of homeless individuals rises faster than anywhere else in the state. Associated Press.

State airports in Hawaiʻi will implement a fee increase for parking at six facilities on Dec. 1, 2015, including fee increases at Kahului and Kapalua Airports on Maui. Maui Now.

Scott Parker, who was seeking to become one of three Maui delegates to a Native Hawaiian convention, said Friday that he is withdrawing from the Na'i Aupuni election that gets underway Sunday. Maui News.

Kauai

A Hawaii police union will file a labor board complaint if it doesn’t get final approval on a policy governing the first widespread use of body cameras in the state. The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers says a body camera policy implemented without its final approval would violate Kauai County’s contract with the union. Associated Press.

Kauai County is asking the state to incentivize competition and help make interisland travel cost less. Associated Press.

The Kauai County Council wants the state to take up what it feels is a serious, islandwide issue: expensive costs for residents to fly from one island to another. Garden Island.

Frances Nelson Hali’aalohanokekupuna Frazier known as a legendary Hawaiian language translator, “beloved auntie,” and outspoken writer of “sassy letters to the editor” died on Oct. 19. She was 101. Garden Island.

University of Hawaii officials say the state's much-delayed first space launch could be finally set for takeoff. According to the university's Space Flight Laboratory, the 55-foot "Super Strypi" rocket will be launched from Kauai's Pacific Missile Range Facility on Monday. Associated Press.